Overview of this site
This site contains a general history of the greatest band in the world, reviews of their albums as well as a photo gallery.
History
In terms of Coldplay's history, the big bang happened around 1997. Assembled at the University College of London; Chris, Will, Guy and Jon soon came to realise that they all shared a similar passion for music. Coming from very different regions, it was indeed this institution in the capital, which made the magic happen. Chris being from Whitestone, Devon; Guy from Scotland; Will from Southampton and Jon from North Wales; London offered a chance to wipe the slate clean and to fulfil their ambitions. What entailed was something quite amazing. Starting simply by jamming in the corridors of Ramsey Hall, it was not long before they realised that together they could make music as if they had been doing so since the 'real' beginning of time.
May
1998 saw their debut release; the self-financed 'Safety' EP.Originally intended
as a demo for record companies, explanations behind such a title lie behind the
artwork for the EP sleeve. Taken by Jon Hilton,a friend of the band, at one of
their earlier gigs,the long exposure photo seesChris' head framed beneath the
'Safety Door' sign. Simple then; like the origins of the word 'Coldplay' (a
disused band name of a friend of the theirs, which seemed to fit their purpose)
With
the EP recorded, they had to raise money to obtain their limited 500 copies.
Most copies were given out to unimpressed record companies, or to friends and
family, with only 50 copies available on sale. Eventually, the EP reached the
hands of BMG Publishing and Parlophone, the latter of whom Coldplay has been
signed to since the summer of 1999.
After
this, the band took to gigging in the hope of finding themselves a record deal.
On the 7th of December 1998 they played the Camden Falcon, London to a crowd of
about 150 people. This was a significant gig, as Simon Williams (co-founder of
Fierce Panda records and ex-journalist) was there and was indeed stunned. The
band was then featured in the New Year's edition of NME, hotly tipped for 1999
despite still being unsigned.
Their
next release came in April 1999. On the Fierce Panda label, the single 'Brothers
And Sisters' was again limited in number of copies - this time to 2500. The
single soon became known to Steve Lamacq, who gave it airplay on his Radio 1
'Evening Session.' This meant that 'Brothers And Sisters' pierced the Official
UK charts at no. 92
Over
the summer of 1999, Coldplay played a London show with Catatonia, made their
record deal with Parlophone, and played on the new bands stage at Glastonbury.
This put the band in good stead and added to their confidence, soon feeling
ready to start work on their debut album.
After
finishing recording, Coldplay were able to tour Britain with Bellatrix, as
co-headliners. Parlophone felt eager for them to release some more material, the
result being the 'Blue Room' EP, released in October 1999 with 5000 copies.
'Bigger, Stronger' featured once more on the EP, earning Coldplay good press and
even more airplay on Radio 1. After more recording, Parlophone were anxious to
release 'Shiver' as a single. The b-side 'For You' was made in just one evening,
proving that the band were able to work well under pressure. The other b-side
was an acoustic version of 'Careful Where You Stand.' This time around, Coldplay
were called to the attentions of many more people, following much airplay on MTV
and on various radio stations. Released on the 6th March 2000, 'Shiver' hit the
Official UK Charts at no. 35.
Following
this release, new Coldplay fans emerged, desperately wanting to see them live.
Their co-headlining tour with Terris gave this opportunity, as did their support
of Muse on their tour.
During
their own tour as headliners, Coldplay played sell-out gigs and received more
and more fans. Chris' homecoming gig at Exeter was particularly well received.
Soon
after came the release of 'Yellow' on the 26th of June. The airplay had this
time greatly increased, picked up by all DJ's at Radio 1 and XFM, and played
religiously by MTV. The Sunday following its release rendered many in shock and
ecstasy, as 'Yellow' landed at no. 4 in the Official UK Charts, and TOTP were
eager to have them appear on their Friday night show.
The
airplay of 'Yellow' continued, and with the release date of the album looming,
many DJ's and Music papers took to praising Coldplay and spreading the word. In
the week before its release, 'Parachutes' received rave reviews from all, with
NME, Melody Maker, Radio 1 and XFM among others, heralding it as the best album
of the year. An appearance on the second stage at Glastonbury also greatly
boosted their success.
With
'Parachutes' release on the 10th July 2000, Coldplay played a gig in HMV,
London. This was extremely popular, with the store being choc-a block with
people, many watching the gig over the net, and many listening, courtesy of XFM.
It was thought that most who went to the gig bought the album, and consequently
'Parachutes' rocketed to number 1 in the Official UK Album Charts.
Having
played a wet T in the Park festival this year, Coldplay went on to play the MTV
stage at V2000 on the 19th August at Staffordshire and the 20th August at
Chelmsford, before embarking on their biggest tour to-date in October.
Due to
their tremendous success in the UK and in Europe, Coldplay decided to take on
their next challenge - America. Deciding to release 'Don't Panic' in the USA,
but not in Europe (despite the video being played frequently by MTV) it wasn't
long before word got around. Soon Coldplay were playing packed gigs,
accumulating even more fans, and made 'cracking the US' seem effortless.
The
long-awaited 2nd Album, titled 'A Rush of Blood to the Head', was released on
26th August 2002. Their worldwide success has been huge - current sales figures
even suggest that Coldplay are set to out-sell The Beatles.
Reviews
Coldplay
- A Rush Of Blood To The Head(taken
from www.2fm.ie)
EMI Records -
2002 - 54 minutes
Easily
one of the most eagerly awaited albums of the year, Coldplay's 'A Rush Of Blood
To The Head' has a lot riding on it. Its 2000 predecessor, 'Parachutes', was one
of those albums that got almost everything right, and will certainly figure
strongly in future 'Best Debut Album' lists. For Coldplay, therein lies the
problem. Having shot such a masterful opening salvo, could they sustain such a
blistering pace? It's a question, which plagued the band itself during the
making of this album, and it's also one, which you will ask yourself repeatedly
as you gladly lend your ears to this.
The opening four-track stretch
certainly suggests that the former University of London boys have pulled off the
impossible. 'Politik' is of Radiohead 'Ok Computer' vintage; 'In My Place',
pivoting on Jonny Buckland's delicious guitar riff, is pure pop pleasure; 'God
Put A Smile Upon Your Face' enthrals with its soaring chorus, while 'The
Scientist' passes the torch to lead singer Chris Martin for a piano-led solo
run. He doesn't disappoint.
Indeed, Martin, despite (or perhaps because
of) his widely publicised self-doubt, is the star here. His voice now sounds
like it can handle the burden of his emotion-soaked lyrics, while the writing
itself is strong throughout.
A lull ensues in the middle of 'A Rush Of
Blood…' from which Coldplay just about manage to recover. 'Daylight' wears its
Radiohead heart a little too obviously on its sleeve, while the folksy 'Green
Eyes' simply seems out of place. And yet that is probably the greatest criticism
that can be levelled at the whole album. Yes, it would have benefited from
keener track sequencing, and no, there's nothing as immediately inspiring as
'Don't Panic' or 'Trouble', but taken as a whole, it's a triumph.
Coldplay deserve a lot of credit for refusing to churn out 'Parachutes
2'. Equally, 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' never comes across as the sound of a
band trying too hard, but rather one of a band refusing to take the easy option
and sticking to their guns with a commendable degree of patience. With repeated
listening comes the realisation that this should cement Coldplay's place as one
of the finest English bands of the past half-decade or more.
Quick fix
freaks will be disappointed; everyone else will be
thrilled.
Parachutes(taken from www.dooyoo.co.uk)
I seem
to be in the minority that think coldplay are a very overrated new band. I do
see a lot of promise and potential in the future of coldplay, but this album is
only very average in my mind. Ever since parachutes drifted into the British
charts at number 1 people have been very eager to declare them as saviours of
indie music. I think this praise might be somewhat misplaced.
While
comparisons to radiohead and Travis have been constant, coldplay have neither
the distinctiveness of a radiohead or that mellow charm of Travis. So don't jump
on the bandwagon yet because frankly coldplay just aren't that good.
The
success of parachutes lies in the success of yellow, the second single to be
taken from the album. Already I have heard people saying that this is their why
does it always rain on me. To me yellow is not nearly good enough to be
described as a signature tune. Sure, it is a lovely, mid paced, very pleasant
ballad. Shiver, the first single, is actually better, another lovely track which
is typical of what people seem to love about coldplay: that is that this group
sings about life and love in a very unpretentious and friendly manner. If you
want edge coldplay are definitely not for you.
Don’t get me wrong,
parachutes is a very good album. Coldplay do indeed excel at the cosy ballads
like spies. At the very least they will charm you. All in all I wonder why this
has got so much attention. There is nothing on parachutes to justify the claims
that coldplay are the best new group in town. They are just another group that
wears their hearts on their sleeves and charm the masses. Travis started this
trend and it seems to be catching on.
